Lead Designer, NikeSKIMS Footwear & Apparel Materials Design

The Lead Designer, Materials Design for NikeSKIMS will combine material design expertise and creative problem solving to build the future of NikeSKIMS within footwear and apparel. The role focuses on both the art and science of materials while influencing an emotional connection to footwear and apparel through narrative and storytelling. The designer will manage a dynamic materials design team to create narrative-driven concepts and drive product excellence by connecting design, development, marketing, and manufacturing.

• Manage a dynamic materials design team to create narrative-driven concepts.
• Drive product excellence by connecting design, development, marketing, and manufacturing.
• Explore the edges of material design, fashion, art, and sports-related products through research and deep consumer understanding.
• Identify project deliverables and communicate expectations to the team in a timely manner.
• Participate actively and proficiently in the creative process.
• Present design concepts to internal and external audiences.
• Set expectations for creative execution and timeliness of deliverables.
• Influence and drive an emotional connection to footwear and apparel through narrative and storytelling.

• Bachelor's degree in design or equivalent combination of education, experience, or training.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively technically challenging design experience.
• Elevate the Nike consumer product experience with a focus on both the art and science of materials, and bring a distinct point of view.
• Understanding of colour trends, strategy, achievability, and material placement and performance.
• Knowledge of product design and development process within footwear and apparel.
• Strong visual and verbal presentation skills, with the ability to show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team and manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a diverse group.
• Ability to network, influence, and utilise internal and external resources.
• Ability to articulate how colour and materials can affect product and sales.
• Strong knowledge of footwear construction, materials, and development from concept through commercialisation.
• Familiarity with apparel construction, garment development, material applications, and product creation.
• Understanding of knit structures, seamless technologies, yarns, fabrication techniques, and material innovation across footwear and apparel.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, seasonal timelines, priorities, and deliverables.
• Strong attention to detail.

• Experience in product or materials design.